THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED The Bird & The Bear, Ouisie’s American Bistro Restaurant Review

: Ouisie’s Table owner Elouise Adams Jones, known as "Ouisie," and Wafi Dinari, her longtime general manager, are behind this River Oaks restaurant. The interior sports crystal chandeliers, a couple of antique chairs hanging from the black ceiling, bright red banquettes, an open kitchen and curved bar, but it’s the classic Southern food that draws the neighborhood crowds. Meals start with complimentary fried wontons and dipping sauce. For lunch, we suggest the "Not Entirely Classic" Caesar, a deconstructed salad of lump crab meat, shaved Parmesan, capers and romaine with a deviled egg topped with an anchovy on the side, or perhaps the small tomato and basil sandwiches served with a cup of soup of the day and a spoonful of chicken salad. Dinner may bring braised pork osso buco with saffron risotto. Follow whatever you choose with an espresso and cup of creamy pot de chocolate. Several vegetarian dishes are also available. The Bird & The Bear offers a nice wine list and a full bar. A tapas menu provides late-night snacks Thursday through Saturday.